Yes, You Can Afford a 4K TV — We Found the Best Under $1,000

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When shopping for a 4K TV on a budget, you can opt for either a model with the largest screen size you can afford, or choose one with a smaller screen, better quality, and more available features. Making the right call depends on the way you plan to use the TV — a living room might benefit from a larger screen, while a bedroom setup might be better for a TV with a smaller screen.

HDR compatibility is one of the most important bits to consider when shopping for a 4K TV. Ideally, you should be looking for one that supports both Dolby Vision and HDR10 (today's leading HDR content standards). Having a great smart TV platform is also important, though you can easily upgrade it via an external streaming device.

Local dimming — the ability to dynamically control the display panel's backlighting — is also a key feature to consider while shopping. It helps 4K TVs deliver superior contrast than offerings that lack the functionality. TVs with full-array local dimming are usually the ones to go for, as they offer enhanced backlighting management and better contrast, especially during more dimly lit scenes.

Now that you're ready to shop like a pro, see our top picks for the best 4K TVs under $1,000.

With a picture quality that won't leave you wanting and a solid smart platform, the Vizio M-Series Quantum is the best 4K TV your less-than $1,000 budget can buy. The product also received high review scores from CNET, Rtings.com, and TechRadar.

The M-series supports all of today's HDR standards, including Dolby Vision and HDR10, ensuring that any content you play is ultra crisp. Its display panel has full-array local backlighting and Quantum color tech, so it's much more vibrant than the TV's price tag suggests.

It has Chromecast and Apple AirPlay 2 built-in, Google Assistant, and Amazon Alexa support (you'll need to connect a Google Home or an Amazon Echo device), meaning you'll have seamless access to all major streaming services.

Priced well below $500 for a 50-inch variant (a smaller 43-inch version is also available), the latest TCL 5-Series 4K TV has design and picture quality that need to be seen to be believed. With Roku TV on board, the device also offers easy access to all of today’s popular streaming services out of the box. It's even compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant voice commands!

The TV offers support for both HDR10 and Dolby Vision content, which is a crucial feature for a TV these days. Movies and shows using both high dynamic range standards are becoming increasingly common on Netflix, Amazon Prime, and other popular streaming platforms. And for gamers, there's a dedicated mode for enhancing your video games.

The TCL 5-Series ships with Roku’s incredibly intuitive remote control. You can control the TV with your voice by pressing a button on the remote control, which allows you to search for content and even change inputs on the TV.

Samsung's 7-Series 4K TV has a lot to offer: a curved screen, an elegant design with a clever setup to manage its cords, good picture quality, and a feature-packed smart TV platform with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant compatibility, as well as access to all major streaming services. The curved display panel offers a more immersive viewing experience, so long as you are sitting in front of it.

The 4K TV supports enhanced HDR10 content for a more dramatic visual experience. It lacks full array local backlighting, but it's still plenty vibrant.

The 7-Series comes bundled with a sleek and intuitive remote control that's handily one of the best out there. Samsung also offers a smartphone app that can replace your remote control.

The 70-inch LG 70UM7370PUA is quite literally the most 4K TV you can buy for less than $1,000. Until recently, it was impossible to find a 4K TV with a display larger than 55 inches at this price point, so LG deserves praise for making this happen.

The TV's picture quality is excellent for a big-screen offering in this price point. The 70UM7370PUA supports HDR10 and HLG standards, guaranteeing that a lot of your favorite Netflix and Amazon Prime content will look amazing on its massive screen.

LG's smart TV platform is also impressive. It includes access to all major streaming services, as well as compatibility with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant voice commands. Apple AirPlay 2 is also on board.

The Frame by Samsung, doubles as work of art when not in use, is an excellent 4K option. With a 43-inch screen panel and design that's perfect for mounting (there will be no wall gap!), The Frame is also a fantastic option for small spaces. You can even choose its frame finish to perfectly match your home decor.

Equipped with a quantum dot display panel, The Frame 4K has excellent picture quality. Of course, it'll also give you access to all major streaming services the moment you power it on, courtesy of Samsung's excellent smart TV platform.

When in Art Mode, The Frame can display your favorite photos, as well as iconic art pieces of your choosing. You can shop modern and contemporary works in a dedicated store. Thanks to the TV's built-in motion and brightness sensors, the art will always look amazing.

The 43-inch TCL 4-series 4K TV is priced like an impulse buy and is perfect for small spaces. Rather impressively, you can even buy a 50-inch variant of the product for less than $300.

Unlike many of its similarly priced competitors, the TCL 4-Series supports both HDR10- and Dolby Vision-enhanced content, which make compatible movies and shows look more vibrant than you'd expect from an affordable TV.

Like the TCL 5-Series we already mentioned, the 4-Series comes with Roku TV out of the box. This means that you'll have instant access to your favorite streaming services the moment you power the TV on.

The Samsung Q60 series 4K TV has a sleek profile, a clever cable-management setup that eliminates a mess of cords, and a dedicated ambient mode that makes the TV seamlessly blend in with any wall decor while not in use.

Developed in collaboration with Amazon, the Toshiba Amazon Fire TV Edition comes with the retail giant's excellent Fire TV smart platform and Alexa voice assistant right out of the box.

Available via a button on the remote control, Alexa will allow you to search and find content, control your connected gadgets, and take advantage of the thousands of skills the platform has to offer.

The picture quality of the Amazon Fire TV edition 4K TV is good, but not on par with the leading offerings from Vizio and TCL in this price range. The TV supports both Dolby Vision content, but it's worth noting that it lacks local dimming.

Stefan VazharovSenior Technology EditorStefan is the senior technology editor for BestProducts.com, where he’s been covering the tech industry and testing the latest gadgets since 2015; He previously covered tech products for GSMArena.com and his work can also be found on Popular Mechanics.